A copy of Superman No. 1 has set a new record as the most expensive comic book ever sold, fetching US$9.12 million (£6.96 million, A$14.14 million) at auction. The comic, published in 1939, represents the first solo title of the iconic character and marked a significant moment in comic book history as it was the first time a character had a title dedicated entirely to them.
The remarkable copy was discovered in March 2024 by three unnamed brothers in northern California. While sorting through their late mother’s attic, they found the comic nestled under a stack of old newspapers inside a cardboard box. Their mother had purchased the comic when she was just nine years old and living in San Francisco. Although she had often mentioned that she owned “rare comics,” the brothers had never seen them until now.
Pristine Condition and Historic Significance
Despite its age, the 86-year-old comic remains in pristine condition, achieving a remarkable grade of 9.0 on the industry-standard 10-point grading scale. This makes it the highest-graded copy of Superman No. 1 ever recorded, with only seven copies known to exist that have a grade of 6.0 or higher. The price achieved at auction far exceeded the previous record of $6 million, set in 2023 when an 8.5-graded copy of Action Comics No. 1, which features Superman’s first appearance, was sold.
Initially, half a million copies of Superman No. 1 were printed, followed by additional print runs of 250,000 and 150,000. However, intact copies have become increasingly rare, partly due to the comic’s original invitation for children to cut out the cover to use as a poster.
Impact on Pop Culture and Collecting
The sale was facilitated by Heritage Auctions, with vice president Lon Allen describing the event as “a momentous day.” He emphasized the cultural significance of Superman No. 1, stating, “This copy is not only in unprecedented condition, but it has a movie-worthy story behind it. I was glad to see the price reflect that and am honored Heritage was entrusted with this iconic book.”
Created in 1933 by teenagers Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman’s rights were sold to DC Comics for only $130, with the creators receiving just $10 for each page they illustrated. The enduring popularity of Superman has solidified his place in the hearts of comic book fans around the world, making this sale a pivotal moment in the history of comic collecting and pop culture.
The record-breaking auction reflects not only the value of the comic itself but also the broader appeal and significance of superheroes in contemporary culture. As collectors and fans continue to seek out rare editions, Superman No. 1 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the most beloved characters in comic book history.
